Cat Crack: The Caretaker Version
It's practically thanksgiving, have you made the place pet friendly? Hopefully, you've got a safe haven in your home so the cats can relax and avoid the grabby toddler, and a litter box that's not in public space so your annoying brother in law who likes to scare the cat doesn't disrupt kitty's private business. If things get a bit out of hand, there's hope.
I've had cats most of my life, with two new ones trying my patience and my pocket book. Their predecessor was with me for nearly every day of her 16+ years, and was low maintenance. Fate has been mocking me since I filled out their multi-page adoption application and glibly stating some things are just part of caring for pets. I've had to deal with some health issues, and behavioral ones, and it's been a long time since I've paid any real attention to cat care products.
I've found some resources that have saved my sanity and my bank balance. They may help you as the holiday season arrives, as the stress and bustling in your life can effect your cats, as all that re-arranging and company can really stress a feline out.
I found a great book on multiple cat households and common issues called Cat Vs. Cat: Keeping Peace When You Have More Than One Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett. I learned a few things I didn't know, and was reminded of a few things I'd forgotten were important in cat life. A good book; she has others, so if you experience other problems with your cats, or are a new cat owner, check out her other titles. She also recommends specific products that can help enrich your cat's life. Most of the following products she recommends (and some in the previous Cat Crack post).
Nature's Miracle should be the first purchase after the litterbox and associated accessories. It's an enzymatic cleaner that will eliminate the stains and odors from cat waste, including the odors you can't detect, but your cat can. Whether it's an accident, a hairball, or health/behavioral issues (pardon the pun), this stuff works. I've even used it on clothing with food stains (tested it first, as anyone should). It's so good at times it will eliminate solid particles, too. Go ahead and buy the gallon jug, along with a spray bottle. You'll thank me. Pair it up with Feliway and you should be all set to deal with cat issues.
Feliway, by Farnum, is a synthetic pheromone that's all but undetectable by the human nose. My vet recommended it, as did Johnson-Bennett, and I've since heard from other cat owners who swear by it. It has a calming effect on cats, and while I can't claim it's eliminated all problems with The Piddler, it's clearly had benefits. If you have serious problems, get a diffuser (or two). If it's minor, get the spray (although it requires reapplication). And it will dissipate faster by open windows, especially when it's windy.
The downside is it's pricey (I bet it took a lot of trial and error to develop). I found amazon had the best deal; even paying for shipping it was nearly half the price of local independent and chain retailers. Check for coupons online as well.
If you suspect or know you have problems, let out your inner CSI with ultraviolet light to locate pet related odors. There are a lot of UV lights you can buy, like Simple Solution Spot Spotter Ultraviolet Urine Detector. Just get one that is true UV and not a fake black light substitute. And don't freak when you see all the stuff you didn't know on your carpet and bedding and such. Some of it is yours.
Sisal Scratchers. It's hard to tell from the picture of the cat tree, but one of the poles (holding the middle tier), is covered with sisal, which is the most recommend cat scratch pole cover there is. If you get a stand alone scratcher, make sure it is long enough for your cat to stretch with a base wide enough that the cat doesn't topple it when using it.
Cardboard Scratchers. The next best thing (and arguably better) is a corrugated cardboard scratcher. Those are great too, just get one long enough and wide enough for your cat to stand on so they can get the most out of it (and lessen the chances of them going to town on your favorite leather chair). Adult cats will like it. If you have kittens, get them started on one now; they'll love it, catnip or no.
Plant based or recycle material Cat Litter. This is as much for the environment as you. I find Swheat Scoop is more absorbent than clay litter, without the perfume smell, which can be a turn-off to cats. Cats communicate through scent, and are very sensitive to odors; strong fragrances can cause aversion or inappropriate urination to cover the scent, so be aware of it in your house. Plant based litters are better for the environment, and some are toilet disposable. To extend the life of the litter, add a bit of baking soda to the pan before pouring in, and don't shake the unsoiled litter from the scooper (rather, move it gently to help it fall out without breaking up clumps).
There are also things to avoid that you might not suspect can cause behavioral problems.
Covered Cat boxes (Cleaning daily will reduce odor, and if it's that bad, your cat needs a vet vist pronto. Plus, those hoods can make cats neurotic, especially in multi-cat households)
Automated cat boxes (Not doing this yourself means you aren't able to detect health issues that can be serious or fatal if left unchecked. It can also cause litter avoidance. You want moving parts in the way of your potty time? Didn't think so.)
Scented litter (cats aren't fond of perfume. Scoop daily and odor shouldn't be an issue. And if it is, it's vet time.)
Nubbed catbox pads (hurts their paws, they won't walk on them)
I've had cats most of my life, with two new ones trying my patience and my pocket book. Their predecessor was with me for nearly every day of her 16+ years, and was low maintenance. Fate has been mocking me since I filled out their multi-page adoption application and glibly stating some things are just part of caring for pets. I've had to deal with some health issues, and behavioral ones, and it's been a long time since I've paid any real attention to cat care products.
I've found some resources that have saved my sanity and my bank balance. They may help you as the holiday season arrives, as the stress and bustling in your life can effect your cats, as all that re-arranging and company can really stress a feline out.
I found a great book on multiple cat households and common issues called Cat Vs. Cat: Keeping Peace When You Have More Than One Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett. I learned a few things I didn't know, and was reminded of a few things I'd forgotten were important in cat life. A good book; she has others, so if you experience other problems with your cats, or are a new cat owner, check out her other titles. She also recommends specific products that can help enrich your cat's life. Most of the following products she recommends (and some in the previous Cat Crack post). Nature's Miracle should be the first purchase after the litterbox and associated accessories. It's an enzymatic cleaner that will eliminate the stains and odors from cat waste, including the odors you can't detect, but your cat can. Whether it's an accident, a hairball, or health/behavioral issues (pardon the pun), this stuff works. I've even used it on clothing with food stains (tested it first, as anyone should). It's so good at times it will eliminate solid particles, too. Go ahead and buy the gallon jug, along with a spray bottle. You'll thank me. Pair it up with Feliway and you should be all set to deal with cat issues.Feliway, by Farnum, is a synthetic pheromone that's all but undetectable by the human nose. My vet recommended it, as did Johnson-Bennett, and I've since heard from other cat owners who swear by it. It has a calming effect on cats, and while I can't claim it's eliminated all problems with The Piddler, it's clearly had benefits. If you have serious problems, get a diffuser (or two). If it's minor, get the spray (although it requires reapplication). And it will dissipate faster by open windows, especially when it's windy. The downside is it's pricey (I bet it took a lot of trial and error to develop). I found amazon had the best deal; even paying for shipping it was nearly half the price of local independent and chain retailers. Check for coupons online as well.
If you suspect or know you have problems, let out your inner CSI with ultraviolet light to locate pet related odors. There are a lot of UV lights you can buy, like Simple Solution Spot Spotter Ultraviolet Urine Detector. Just get one that is true UV and not a fake black light substitute. And don't freak when you see all the stuff you didn't know on your carpet and bedding and such. Some of it is yours. Sisal Scratchers. It's hard to tell from the picture of the cat tree, but one of the poles (holding the middle tier), is covered with sisal, which is the most recommend cat scratch pole cover there is. If you get a stand alone scratcher, make sure it is long enough for your cat to stretch with a base wide enough that the cat doesn't topple it when using it. Cardboard Scratchers. The next best thing (and arguably better) is a corrugated cardboard scratcher. Those are great too, just get one long enough and wide enough for your cat to stand on so they can get the most out of it (and lessen the chances of them going to town on your favorite leather chair). Adult cats will like it. If you have kittens, get them started on one now; they'll love it, catnip or no. Plant based or recycle material Cat Litter. This is as much for the environment as you. I find Swheat Scoop is more absorbent than clay litter, without the perfume smell, which can be a turn-off to cats. Cats communicate through scent, and are very sensitive to odors; strong fragrances can cause aversion or inappropriate urination to cover the scent, so be aware of it in your house. Plant based litters are better for the environment, and some are toilet disposable. To extend the life of the litter, add a bit of baking soda to the pan before pouring in, and don't shake the unsoiled litter from the scooper (rather, move it gently to help it fall out without breaking up clumps). There are also things to avoid that you might not suspect can cause behavioral problems.
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